Turkish nomad Fatma: Shepherdess of Türkiye’s ancient city of Selge
Fatma Sevinc, who lives in Manavgat, Antalya, has been grazing her goats in Selge Ancient City for 45 years, Türkiye, October 18, 2024. (AA Photo)
At the foot of the Taurus Mountains lies the ancient city of Selge, home to various civilizations throughout history. Turkish nomad Fatma Sevinc, a 59-year-old shepherdess and the last resident of the Yoruks, has been tending to her goats in this nearly 2,500-year-old site for 45 years.
“The ancient city gives us life,” she states, highlighting her reliance on the ancient well for her goats’ water supply.
Ancient water sources: Testament to history
Sevinc recalls how she draws water from the ancient well using buckets.
“It has been said that these water sources were left by the Romans. I wonder who drank from these waters back then? Now it is our turn to benefit from it,” she reflects. The historical site, known as a “mountain city,” dates back to the 500s B.C. and continues to be a vital resource for the local population.
Life among ruins
Living in the village of Altinkaya within the ancient city’s borders, Sevinc began her shepherding career at a young age. After marrying, she continued to raise her goat herd in and around the ancient city.
On days when her goats cannot find enough grass, she climbs steep terrain for around 20 minutes to bring them tree branches for food. Sevinc also carries bread and food for her dogs in bags as she tends to her animals.
Walking through history
Sevinc traverses over 10 kilometers daily amid the ruins, all while protecting the ancient city from potential dangers, such as wildfires.
“It is a beautiful feeling to be a shepherd in the ancient city,” she shares. “I often think about the ancient people and wonder how they managed to bring these massive stones to the top of the mountains.”
Guardian of ancient legacy
Sevinc sees herself as both a shepherd and a guardian of this historical treasure.
“We work like sentinels here. We report even the smallest fire in the forest surrounding the ancient city,” she explains.
For her and her goats, the ancient well provides essential water, known as the “king’s water,” located in a structure from antiquity. The ancient source remains a lifeline, connecting the past to the present.
Fatma Sevinc’s story is a poignant reminder of the enduring relationship between people and their historical landscapes. As she tends to her goats and navigates the ancient ruins, she carries with her the legacy of countless generations.
